Psalms 34:2
Psalms 34:2 in Multiple Translations
My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.
My soul will say great things of the Lord: the poor in spirit will have knowledge of it and be glad.
From the bottom of my heart I am proud of the Lord; those who are humble will hear and be happy.
My soule shall glory in the Lord: the humble shall heare it, and be glad.
In Jehovah doth my soul boast herself, Hear do the humble and rejoice.
My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Take hold of arms and shield: and rise up to help me.
I will boast about what Yahweh has done. All those who are oppressed/discouraged should hear me and rejoice.
I will tell people, “God has all the power.” I want everybody that has a hard life to hear that and be happy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 34:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 34:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲבָרֲכָ֣ה
אֶת
יְהוָ֣ה
בְּ/כָל
עֵ֑ת
תָּ֝מִ֗יד
תְּֽהִלָּת֥/וֹ
בְּ/פִֽ/י
אֲבָרֲכָ֣ה
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֵ֑ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cs
תָּ֝מִ֗יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
תְּֽהִלָּת֥/וֹ
tᵉhillâh
H8416
praise
N-fs | Suff
בְּ/פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 34:2
אֲבָרֲכָ֣ה
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-1cs
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֵ֑ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
תָּ֝מִ֗יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
תְּֽהִלָּת֥/וֹ
tᵉhillâh
H8416
"praise"
N-fs | Suff
Tehillah means praise or a song of praise, often directed towards God. It can also refer to a hymn or an act of public praise, acknowledging God's qualities or deeds.
Definition: 1) praise, song or hymn of praise 1a) praise, adoration, thanksgiving (paid to God) 1b) act of general or public praise 1c) praise-song (as title) 1d) praise (demanded by qualities or deeds or attributes of God) 1e) renown, fame, glory 1e1) of Damascus, God 1e2) object of praise, possessor of renown (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: praise. See also: Exodus 15:11; Psalms 106:47; Psalms 9:15.
בְּ/פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 34:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 34:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
- Sermons on Psalms 34:2
Context — Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
1I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
2My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
3Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. 4I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:24 | But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth— for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:31 | Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” |
| 3 | Psalms 119:74 | May those who fear You see me and rejoice, for I have hoped in Your word. |
| 4 | Psalms 44:8 | In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah |
| 5 | Psalms 22:22–24 | I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly. You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All descendants of Jacob, honor Him! All offspring of Israel, revere Him! For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 10:17 | Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 1:15–16 | This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. |
| 8 | Isaiah 45:25 | In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult. |
| 9 | Psalms 105:3 | Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. |
| 10 | Psalms 32:5–6 | Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near. |
Psalms 34:2 Summary
[This verse means that when we know and love God, our hearts can be full of joy and pride in who He is, and we want to tell others about it. We can be like the psalmist and boast in the Lord, sharing our joy with those around us who are struggling, as seen in Psalms 34:2. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, to let our light shine before others so they can see God's love. By boasting in the Lord, we can bring hope and joy to those who need it most.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to boast in the Lord?
Boasting in the Lord means to take pride and joy in who He is and what He has done for us, as seen in Psalms 34:2, and is encouraged throughout Scripture, such as in Jeremiah 9:24 where it says to boast in knowing and understanding God.
Who are the oppressed in this verse?
The oppressed in Psalms 34:2 refers to those who are marginalized, persecuted, or suffering, and are encouraged to hear and rejoice in the Lord, similar to those in Isaiah 61:1 who are given good news of salvation and freedom.
How can we apply this verse to our lives?
We can apply Psalms 34:2 to our lives by sharing the good news of the Lord with those around us who are struggling, and by taking pride in our relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 5:16 where it says to let our light shine before others.
What is the significance of the soul boasting in the Lord?
The soul boasting in the Lord, as mentioned in Psalms 34:2, signifies a deep and personal connection with God, where one's inner being is filled with joy and pride in their relationship with Him, similar to the psalmist's declaration in Psalms 103:1-5 where he blesses the Lord with his whole soul.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can boast in the Lord today, and share that joy with others?
- How can I be more aware of the oppressed around me, and what can I do to help them hear and rejoice in the Lord?
- In what ways have I experienced the Lord's deliverance and salvation, and how can I share that with others?
- What does it mean for my soul to boast in the Lord, and how can I cultivate that in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:2
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord,.... Not in men, nor in any outward enjoyment, nor in any works of righteousness, but in the Lord; "in the Word of the Lord", as the Targum; in the Lord Jesus
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:2
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. My soul ... the Lord - (Jeremiah 9:23-24.) The humble ... - because they feel his cause and theirs to be one.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
My soul shall glory in this, that I have so powerful and so gracious a Lord and Master. The humble; or, the meek, i.e. the godly, oft called in Scripture by that title; and particularly my friends and favourers in Israel, whom he thus calls in opposition to his proud and furious adversaries in Saul’ s court and camp. Be glad; both for their love to me and to the public good of Israel, which they know that I design and seek above all things; and for the comfort and benefit of my example to them in like straits and difficulties.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.Ver. 2. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord] This holy gloriation is a Christian’ s duty not to be neglected. The Church in the Canticles is much in it; and so is St Paul. It showeth a heart full of joys unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8. And, besides, God is thereby greatly glorified, Jeremiah 9:23-24. The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad] Not for my sake only, but their own, as conceiving good hope of like deliverance. But, then, they must be as I am, not only humbled, but humble; low, but lowly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
(2) Humble.—See Note on Psalms 9:12. The LXX. and Vulg., “the meek.” It means here those who have learnt patience in the school of suffering.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
Verse 2. My soul shall make her boast] Shall set itself to praise the Lord-shall consider this its chief work. The humble] ענוים anavim, the afflicted, such as David had been.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:2
2. In the Lord stands emphatically at the beginning of the sentence in the original; in Him, and not in any of the worldling’s objects of self-congratulation (Psalms 49:6; Jeremiah 9:23-24), shall be my boast. the humble &c.] Probably, let the humble (or, meek) hear and be glad. Cp. Psalms 5:11. He claims the sympathy of those who have learned humility in the school of suffering. See note on Psalms 9:12.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:2
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord - I myself will rejoice and exult in him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:2
2. Boast in the Lord—The word rendered “boast,” means to shine, to make clear, and also to exclaim aloud.
Sermons on Psalms 34:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When God Comes the Gospel Is Preached by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the preacher begins with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and strength to deliver the message. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel message a |
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Stand Still and Know by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson shares a poignant experience from 1958 when he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to reach out to seven teenage boys on trial for murder. Despite being removed from |
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Testify to the Blessing by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of testifying to the blessings of a clean heart, illustrating how silence can lead to the loss of such blessings. He recounts the expe |
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No Matter How Faint Your Cry Is by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the faithfulness of the Lord in delivering His children from trials, as illustrated in Psalms 34. He reflects on David's experience of feeling overwhelme |
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A Righteousness in Which Jehovah Himself Cannot Find a Flaw by William Gadsby | William Gadsby preaches about the necessity of having a righteousness that surpasses human capabilities, one that only Jesus Christ can provide through His perfect obedience and sp |
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Meditation [No Date] by Anne Bradstreet | Anne Bradstreet's sermon emphasizes the believer's joy in God, encouraging them to boast in Him, walk in His ways, and remain close to Him despite challenges. She speaks of the tra |
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Identifying the True Prophet - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophetic call and the role of a prophet in proclaiming God's message. He emphasizes the importance of a prophet being able to see and art |